FREMONT — Fourteen years ago, Romesh Japra of Fremont and a group of fellow Indo-Americans launched the Festival of India and Parade to showcase Indian culture and heritage.

Over the years, the festival has grown from 5,000 people at its inception to about 60,000 last year. This weekend, organizers hope to exceed last year’s turnout by drawing more of the 300,000 Indo-Americans living in the Bay Area, as well as those who simply want to learn about South Asian culture.

At a time when the children of immigrants from India are assimilating into American culture, the Festival of India helps remind the next generation about their roots, said Yogi Chugh, vice president of the Federation of Indo-Americans of Northern California, which hosts the event.

“My children have grown up in America, but it’s important that they learn a certain amount about Indian culture and learn to speak the language and appreciate the values,” said Chugh, whose 7-year-old son and 21/2-year-old daughter will perform in the festival. “We want them to assimilate into the community but also view India as a great country.”

The Festival of India is also an event that highlights the unique influence of Indo-Americans in Fremont. From lentil curries and naan to Bollywood and bhangra beats, it’s hard to come to this city and not see the impact of the Indo-American community here.

“If I’m going to live in the United States, I’m going to live in Fremont. It’s really the best place to live,” said Vihaya Aasuri, who immigrated here in 1989. “I don’t even miss India. We’ve really become part of the mainstream here.”

In recent months, Aasuri has been busy organizing the festival’s youth performances and cultural dance competitions, where participants will battle for prizes in classical, folk and Bollywood categories.

About noon Sunday, crowds will line Liberty and State streets and Beacon and Walnut avenues to watch and cheer as floats representing different regions of India pass by.

“It’s a good opportunity for the Indian community and the greater community to look at unique aspects of Indian culture,” said Mayor Bob Wasserman, who will participate in the parade.

Although many still see the festival primarily as an event for the Indian diaspora, its organizers hope it also will come to symbolize the diversity of Fremont and the greater Bay Area.

This year, in an effort to attract more newcomers, the festival is offering a health clinic, where visitors can obtain free medical advice and take cholesterol and glucose tests.

“I think this festival will truly be successful when it brings in a broad spectrum of the Bay Area outside of the Indo-American community,” Chugh said.

And when that happens, vegetarian curries and naan also may be considered as American as hamburgers and apple pie.